You’ve done it. Finally. You’re the proud owner of a gorgeous new motorcycle. Every time you see it in the garage or take it out for a spin, or even just think about it, you can’t help but smile.
But, something’s missing. Your motorcycle feels a little too much like all of the others on the road. You want to make your ride look and feel uniquely yours.
Thankfully, motorcycles have a thriving aftermarket. If you want to make your ride your own, then you should try using these motorcycle customization ideas to take your vehicle to the next level!
1. Vanity Number Plates
One of the best ways to make any vehicle feel a little bit more like your own is to get vanity number plates. Unlike a standard number plate, with a vanity plate you are able to choose what the plate says.
You can also choose a custom design for the plate that you put on the back of your motorcycle. Vanity plates are a great way to show off your personality and incorporate a little humor into your ride’s design.
Just note that most state governments will not allow you to use obscenities or vulgar language in your plate. There is a list of banned words that you’ll have to abide by.
2. Vinyl Wrap
If you love a matte look, then a vinyl wrap is the way to go. Wrapping a motorcycle isn’t an extremely expensive task (since there is so little surface area to wrap), but it isn’t an easy one. Thus, this is definitely a job that you want to have done at a good body shop.
A good wrap will last you for a good few years, especially if you coat it with the right protective coatings. For a few hundred dollars, that’s great value for money. You can guarantee that your motorcycle won’t be looking a lot like the others on the road with a custom wrap job.
3. Custom Paint Job
If you don’t like the matte look of a vinyl wrap, but you still want a custom-looking design, then a custom paint job is the way to go. Again, this is another job that you want to have done at a professional shop because it’s easy to mess up if you don’t do it right. If you do decide to go the DIY route, however, be sure to use this motorcycle painting guide.
4. Aftermarket Exhaust
If you want to add a little performance to your motorcycle while also giving it even more of a unique touch, then an aftermarket exhaust is the way to go.
An aftermarket exhaust isn’t very difficult to install on a motorcycle, as it’s an easy bolt-on modification. The trick is to get the right exhaust. Depending on the kind and size of the engine you have, there are a ton of different aftermarket providers. Akrapovic exhausts are a very popular brand if you like your vehicle’s exhaust note to have a throaty, raspy growl to it.
5. Racing Tires
Have you ever thought about taking your motorcycle to the track? If so, then racing tires are a must.
Think about it — your tires are the only part of your motorcycle that actually touches the ground, but few people think to make this modification to spring for better tires than what came with the motorcycle off the factory line.
A racing tire will have a better contact patch with the ground, giving your motorcycle far more grip and allowing you to corner at a significantly tighter radius. They are expensive and do wear out quickly, so make sure that you budget appropriately.
6. Performance Tune
Your motorcycle’s performance is governed by an electronic computer unit (ECU) that acts as the brain of the machine. By going to a tuning shop and having some of the ECU’s settings changed, you can unlock a whole new level of performance.
7. New Brake and Clutch Handles
Do you not like the way that your brake or clutch handle feels? Maybe it’s too easy too hard to pull, or perhaps it isn’t ergonomic enough. Thankfully, brake and clutch handles are one of the simplest parts of your motorcycle to replace.
You can also get something with a unique design to make your motorcycle feel even more yours.
8. Wheel Lights
Did you ever watch TRON as a kid? Well if so, then you know just how attractive wheel lights can be. They can make your motorcycle look futuristic in an extremely cool way.
What’s more, they’ll also act as additional lighting whenever it’s dark out. If you live in a country that doesn’t have a lot of motorcycles (such as America), chances are that drivers aren’t used to watching out for motorcycles. Thus, the additional lighting will make you more visible and protect your safety as you ride at night.
9. Performance Air Filter
Another great performance customization to make is to buy a performance air filter. Engines have two inputs: fuel and air. A performance air filter can ensure that more, cleaner air is pumped into the engine every time it goes through a combustion cycle.
The result is that the fuel is burned more cleanly, resulting in power and efficiency gains.
10. Custom Grips
Last but certainly not least, custom grips are a great way to customize your ride. The grips that come from the factory aren’t tailored to any specific hand type but instead made in a one-size-fits-all shape.
Chances are, they aren’t going to feel great in your hands. By changing the stock grips out for custom grips, you can reduce the fatigue that your hands experience as you ride. If you ride a sports bike that places a lot of your weight on your hands (because you’re leaning forward), this is a must-have modification.
Use These Motorcycle Customization Ideas
There you have it — with these motorcycle customization ideas, you’re well on your way towards making your bike uniquely yours. Safe riding ahead!
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